4/10/11

Not since William Castle : INSIDIOUS

The bad news about James Wan's Insidious is that Patrick Wilson does not remove his shirt during the course of this film...not once!

The good news about James Wan's Insidious is that it's one of the most entertaining horror films to come down the pike in a very long time.

When a couple and their three children move into a gorgeous old home, the wife (Rose Byrne), almost immediately starts noticing that items she has unpacked are going missing, and books she neatly set on to shelves are found later scattered on the floor. Her eldest son (Ty Simpkins) tells her that he does not like his room, and noises seem to be coming from the attic. Nothing very dramatic here, just enough bumps in the night to set one's nerves on edge.

It's not until the son falls into a coma after a (seemingly) innocuous mishap, that things start getting metaphysical.

After an episode that includes late night rapping's at the front door and ghostly intruders wandering into bedrooms, the family, quite sensibly, cuts their losses and moves into another home. And all is well, for a few minutes, until whatever was haunting these people has found its way to their new address.

With their son still in a coma, and the new house seemingly a welcome center for earth bound spirits, the family, in desperation contacts a medium to set things right. It's at this point that Insidious goes from a creepy, spine chiller, to a balls-to-the-wall fun ride complete with wailing ghosties, astral projection, disembodied hands coming out of kitchen drawers; and a demonic being who is fond of Tiny Tim's rendition of Tip Toe through the Tulips - I am pretty sure that a kitchen sink is also featured somewhere as well.

I've already heard some folks claim that they enjoyed the film until the final quarter claiming it was too over the top for their tastes. That's odd, becuase I found the final quarter of Insidious a hell of a lot of fun. From Lynn Shaye's charming portrayal of the spiritualist, to Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson's much needed comic relief as the bumbling assistants, to the cavalcade of costumed creeps popping up in clothes closets, to the wacky seance complete with archaic cameras and gas masks -- this is the kind of fun stuff not seen since the time of William Castle (why weren't our seats rigged with buzzers, where were the ghost glasses, why no life insurance policy). You see, that is the beauty of Insidious; what begins as a truly eerie suspense piece, eventually morphs into a seat-of-the-pants-thrill ride. It's called showmanship, kids. It's called entertainment!

Yeah, this is a rave. I loved this film. So get up off your asses, get a ticket, leave all expectations at the door, and strap your self in for a fun ride.

13 comments:

It's funny that you mention William Castle because I said that to Wan during the Q&A. I never felt so terrified and amused since a local theater of mine decided to show House on Haunted Hill in the style of Castle. I'm really glad that you love it but I'm sure people will find something to complain about it. I think it's Wan's best movie so far.

1. You make a fantastic point. Patrick Wilson in a movie NOT showing his chest or buttcheeks? What is the world coming to?!

2. I loved the first 2/3rds of the film. My problem wasn't with the comic relief--I actually thought that was both funny and perfectly timed to ease us down before the big finale--but with the messiness OF the finale. I just thought the film had been so tight and disciplined all through the first hour, and thus the world of the further felt ill-defined in comparison.

I too thought the finale was kind of flawed and silly. Even with that, I still really enjoyed INSIDIOUS. I think it was the first time in a while that I felt that a film was worth the price of admission. I couldn't believe this film was made for $800,000 or something like that. The acting was great and while some of the comic relief didn't work, I still had a great time with the film. It will definitely be on my Top 10 list at the end of the year. Great review!

I absolutely hated this film. Thought the premise lacked any semblance of imagination, the episodes of haunting tedious after the first dozen bangs, slams, creaks, voices, and passing shadows, and the explanation so convoluted that it was laugh-out-loud funny. Paranormal hokiness taken to the extreme. Rose Byrne phoned in her performance, Wilson looked embarrassed that he took the gig, and Barbara Hershey lost any career ground she gained with her excellent turn in BLACK SWAN. She was wasted here. I can concede to only one point in your review: Lin Shaye was indeed excellent.

I'm truly baffled by the good notice this film is getting. Did I mention that I hated it?

your host: Pax Romano

Horror movie fan, and all around mofo

About This Blog

I love horror films, been watching them all of my life.
As a gay man, I've come to note the more homo-erotic subtext in many of these films. From the obvious in films like, Interview With the Vampire, to the more subtle in movies like, Scream.
So, what I intend to do with this blog, is, from time to time, highlight a movie that is both scary as well as sensual,(or just plain campy) provided those elements are borne of gay or lesbian sensibilities.